"The situation doesn't look good": Adam Silver, following the NBA betting scandal

At the start of the 2025/26 season, the NBA has not been able to enjoy the early Regular Season games. The competition saw the FBI arrest Terry Rozier III and Chauncey Billups for illegal sports betting. And Adam Silver, the league's commissioner, has spoken out for the first time on the matter.

The NBA commissioner finally broke the silence and made public statements amidst the scandal. His words come after the player of the Miami Heat and the coach of the Portland Trail Blazers were accused by federal investigators of alleged involvement in illegal sports betting.

In an interview with Cassidy Hubbarth for Prime, Silver acknowledged receiving the news with surprise and concern: “My initial reaction was profound shock. There is nothing more important for the league and its fans than the integrity of the competition. I felt a knot in my stomach. It was very upsetting.”

The commissioner also explained how Rozier's case was internally handled, as he continued playing at the time despite initial suspicions. According to Silver, the irregularities were detected thanks to the monitoring systems of legal betting houses:

“It was aberrant behavior around a game in March 2023. Regulators and betting houses informed us, and we proceeded to investigate transparently. Although there were unusual bets placed, we did not find conclusive evidence.”

Silver details the investigation

Silver added that the player cooperated from the outset: he handed over his phone to the league office and participated in interviews. Ultimately, the internal investigation did not find sufficient evidence to sanction him. However, the recent federal accusation has reopened the case and put Rozier back under public scrutiny.

The commissioner was clear in emphasizing the NBA's limits of action against judicial authorities: “The federal government has subpoena power, can threaten to jail people. The league does not have those resources. We have been cooperating with them from the start. And what was announced yesterday was a formal accusation. Two and a half years later, Terry has not been convicted of anything, but we understand the situation does not look good.”

Rozier is currently on administrative leave as the investigation continues. Silver defended the decision, insisting that the league seeks a balance between respecting due process and protecting the integrity of the competition.

Before concluding, Silver addressed the fans directly, aware of the media impact this case has had right at the beginning of the new season: “I apologize to our fans because we are all dealing with this situation. Despite everything, the on-court competition has been spectacular. But nothing is above the integrity of the game.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "La situación no pinta bien": Adam Silver, tras el escándalo de apuestas en la NBA